Madison’s Count This Penny Set to Debut New Civil War Songs for Record Release Party at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum

Madison’s Count This Penny Set to Debut New Civil War Songs for Record Release Party at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum

(MADISON) ― On Friday, March 9, 2012, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum will present a special Civil War 150 concert celebrating the release of a new record by Madison’s Count This Penny. Originally a duo, but now a four-piece group, the band has established itself as one of Madison’s top folk groups with heartfelt lyrics and precise instrumentation. In late 2011, Count This Penny was invited by the Museum to write and record two brand new songs inspired by archival letters of Wisconsin Civil War soldiers as part of its ongoing program series encouraging local artists to use historic resources in both creative and educational ways. Previous events have included the ongoing “Wisconsin Letters Project,” dramatic readings of Civil War soldiers’ letters, which were produced for the stage by Madison playwright John Sable.

Written by Amanda Rigell, “Do Not Borrow Trouble” uses the words of Cpl. Walter Persons, who served during the Battle of Shiloh with the 16th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, while Allen Rigel wrote “I’ll Take A Walk,” based on the story of John Hunt of the 7th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, who was taken prisoner at Gettysburg and later died in prisoner-of-war camp. Both letter collections are available for research and examination in the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Research Center.

A limited edition, hand-numbered 45 RPM record featuring these songs and original cover art by Tony Cooke will be available for purchase in the Museum’s Gift Shop on March 9. Doors to the Museum will open at 7:30 p.m. and the concert will begin promptly at 8:00 p.m. Admission is $5 and all proceeds will facilitate the continued development of future arts projects inspired by the Civil War.

For more information on the record or the Civil War arts project, contact Jeff Kollath, Curator of History, at (608) 261-0541 or email Jeffrey.kollath@dva.state.wi.us. The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is a free public educational activity of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and is located at 30 W. Mifflin St., across the street from the State Capitol.